How much does a biomedical engineer make?

In the U.S., pay can differ with experience, advanced study, and whether a Professional Engineer license helps in a particular role. Employer, location, and the kind of work—such as device design or research—also matter, and some jobs involve extra hours.

Apply knowledge of engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological, agricultural, and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems.

What's a typical day like?

In a lab or office, a biomedical engineer might design a medical device, run computer models, or test equipment for safety. They review results, write reports, and plan improvements with scientists, clinicians, or other engineers.

Study math and science in high school, then earn a biomedical-engineering bachelor’s; internships help. Many start in their early 20s; in the U.S., research leaders may need graduate school, and a PE license is optional for many industry jobs.

Usually a bachelor's degree (preparation level 4 of 5)

Good for people who like figuring things out and building and doing.

At Penn State, a lab device that mimics a heartbeat had already ticked through about 250 million beats while testing heart-assist equipment.